Direct democracy is a political system where the citizens participate in the decision-making personally, contrary to relying on intermediaries or representatives. The use of a lot system, a characteristic of Athenian democracy, is unique to direct democracies.
As a general rule of thumb posts typically are 6-8 feet apart and are positioned on the corners, against the house and by the stairs of your deck. Mark the joists where the posts will go. Make sure they are even distance apart from one another. Next cut the posts to length.
Be careful to center the hole on the position for the pier. Specification for distance between piers can be found in most books about deck construction. These holes are one foot square and one foot deep. The existing ground around the hole should be undisturbed as it provides the lateral support for the post.